16 Slapstick Comedies That Still Get Big Laughs

Slapstick comedies are all about larger-than-life humor, where the physicality of the action takes center stage. They’re known for their ridiculous stunts, silly situations, and a style of humor that’s both simple and wildly entertaining. These films often feature characters getting into improbable scenarios that lead to laugh-out-loud moments. The beauty of slapstick lies in its ability to entertain without needing anything more than a good dose of silliness.

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Airplane!

When it premiered in 1980 the film starred Robert Hays as Ted Striker and Julie Hagerty as Elaine, alongside Leslie Nielsen and Peter Graves. The movie keeps landing laughs thanks to its nonstop physical gags, absurd timing and the contrast of serious actors in ridiculous situations. It is available to stream on several platforms in many regions, though you’ll have to check your local catalog. One standout sequence is the autopilot dummy inflation and the repeated Don’t call me Shirley line that still catches viewers off guard. Preparing some snacks and settling in for a good stretch will get you the most out of the film.

What helps it hold up so well is the way the physical humour is constant and surprising rather than predictable trips and falls. The writing or directing team (Zucker or Abrahams or  Zucker) designed it around visual comedy and sight-gags that work across generations. The ensemble performances add weight to the absurdity and keep the energy high. If you haven’t seen it in a while you might want to revisit with fresh eyes. It shows that slapstick can still feel lively and fresh when done with care.

Young Frankenstein

This 1974 Mel Brooks film stars Gene Wilder as Dr Frederick Frankenstein, Peter Boyle as the Monster and Madeline Kahn as Elizabeth. The comedy blends classic horror tropes with exaggerated physical bits, pratfalls and sight-gags that pay off again and again when viewed today. It is typically available for streaming or digital rental in many locations, though regional availability varies. One memorable scene involves the Monster blind-walking through the lab with Igor guiding him, which relies heavily on visual timing. To enjoy this film fully you might want to choose a time when you won’t be interrupted, as the jokes arrive in a steady stream.

What gives this film lasting appeal is that the physical humour is combined with strong performances-Wilder’s expressive reactions and Boyle’s lumbering movements deliver big laughs without needing modern effects. The set-design and costume work support the sight-gags in a way that feels intentional and playful. Viewers often revisit it for the layered physical humour, including villagers chasing the monster or the lab equipment spectacularly malfunctioning. If you enjoy films where the humour is grounded in motion and timing then this one remains a standout. It demonstrates that physical comedy tied to character work can still land hard.

It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World

When it opened in 1963 the film featured an ensemble cast including Spencer Tracy, Milton Berle, Jimmy Durante and Edward G. Robinson. The scale of the chase sequences, pratfalls and visible physical chaos keeps viewers laughing from start to finish. It is often available on major streaming services or as a digital rental, depending on region. A highlight is the car chase through a suburban street that builds in mischief and physical complexity. For best effect pick a night when you can commit the full runtime-there’s a lot going on.

What makes the film durable is its willingness to throw everything at the screen: stunts, props, actors colliding, escapes and surprises. The humour works because it’s visual and kinetic and doesn’t rely solely on witty dialogue. Many of the gags are layered so even repeat viewings offer something new. If you like ensemble comedies with sprawling physical sequences this one hits the mark. It reveals how slapstick can be large-scale and still feel fun rather than excessive.

The Naked Gun-From the Files of Police Squad!

Released in 1988 the film starred Leslie Nielsen as Lt Frank Drebin, Priscilla Presley as Jane, and George Kennedy as Ed Hocken. The film generates enduring laughs through absurd visual gags, sight-puns and dead-pan reactions to chaotic situations. You can usually find it on streaming platforms or as a digital purchase, depending on your region. One memorable bit is the chase atop the baseball stadium and the literal you’re still here joke with the passenger announcement. For full impact you might watch it in a space where you can focus on the small visual details.

What gives this film traction is Nielsen’s straight-man performance in the midst of utter chaos, combined with props, timing and a willingness to go silly. The humour works because it never pretends to be anything other than ridiculous and the physical gags are front and centre. The supporting cast plays exaggerated roles which help the film stay lively. If you enjoy absurdist stunts mixed with mock-serious tone then this one remains a go-to. It proves that slapstick and parody can work in harmony.

Caddyshack

It premiered in 1980 with Bill Murray as Carl Spackler, Chevy Chase as Ty Webb and Rodney Dangerfield as Al Czervik. The film delivers enduring laughs through its surreal physical comedy, golf-course chaos and characters who seem to live to cause trouble. It is available on many streaming services or for digital rental in many territories. One standout sequence is Murray’s gopher war which escalates into full-on absurdity. If you’re planning to watch it set aside uninterrupted time because the jokes build on each other.

What keeps the film fresh is its willingness to lean hard into silly collisions, wild pacing and fearless physical humour. The ensemble cast brings energy and improvisation which keeps even familiar scenes lively. The mix of laid-back characters and explosive moments delivers a comedic balance. If you enjoy comedies where the set-pieces feel big and loose then this one hits the mark. It shows how physical antics in a structured storyline can still land strong laughs.

Blazing Saddles

Debuting in 1974 the film was directed by Mel Brooks and starred Cleavon Little as Bart, Gene Wilder as Jim and Harvey Korman in multiple roles. The movie continues to get laughs thanks to its outsize characters, frequent pratfalls and outrageous physical bits mixing with satirical tone. It is commonly available on digital platforms for streaming or rental, though availability may vary. A memorable scene is the coconut-clop horse-sound bit which plays purely visually. For best results you might watch it quietly so you can catch the timing of the physical gags.

What helps this film hold up is that the functional humour is overt and unafraid of going big. The physical comedy is grounded in character reactions and pathos so even when the gag is wild there’s a human moment underneath. The cast’s commitment to the absurdity makes the slapstick land harder. If you like comedic Westerns with crash-bang stunts this film is essential. It proves that slapstick can be broad and still work decades later.

Dumb and Dumber

When it came out in 1994 it starred Jim Carrey as Lloyd Christmas and Jeff Daniels as Harry Dunne. The film keeps producing laughs because of its physical humour, ridiculous situations and the duo’s expressive faces that work even beyond dialogue. It remains available on many streaming platforms depending on region, and often appears in crossover catalogue sections. A highlight moment is the highway scene where the most annoying sound in the world plays and devolves into chaos. It’s best enjoyed with friends and a relaxed attitude.

What makes Dumb and Dumber still fun is the way the show-once-subtle joke becomes full-on physical chaos and the cast commit to the absurdity. The film uses simple setups for big pay-offs involving props, movement and timing rather than just loud voices. Viewers often revisit it for the gags that feel like playground pratfalls. If you enjoy broad physical comedy with a splash of silliness then this one is for you. It shows that slapstick can be low-brow and high-fun at the same time.

Hot Shots!

When it premiered in 1991 the film starred Charlie Sheen as Topper Hogan, Cary Elwes as Kent, and Valeria Golino as Ramada. It keeps landing laughs through its parody of action films mixed with physical stunts, sight-gags and over-the-top slapstick sequences. You can usually stream it or rent it digitally in many regions. One memorable bit features Hogan’s training in a jungle boot-camp with ridiculous obstacles, prop mishaps and full physical chaos. For best effect pick an evening when you can relax and just let the visual humour take over.

What gives Hot Shots! staying power is the willingness to treat the sandbox of action tropes as a venue for physical mischief. The gags rely on props, movement and timing rather than heavy verbal jokes. The cast lean into the ridiculous and that commitment makes the stunts work. If you love physical parody with wide-ranging antics then this film hits the spot. It proves the synergy of physical humour and genre spoof can still entertain.

Home Alone

It opened in 1990 with Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, Joe Pesci as Harry and Daniel Stern as Marv. The film continues to get big laughs because of its elaborate physical traps, cartoon-style pratfalls and the kid vs burglars setup that allows for wild physical humour. It is commonly available on streaming services and often returns in seasonal rotations. A memorable sequence is the paint-can on a string swing, which is purely visual and still generates laughs. For full enjoyment watch it with people who appreciate physical comedy.

What helps it remain popular is the universal appeal of a clever kid out-smarting clumsy burglars through physical mayhem. The traps, falls and hits are exaggerated but timed just right so they avoid feeling gross. Because many viewers grew up on it there’s nostalgic value that adds to the fun. If you like comedies where the action is as important as the jokes then this film checks both boxes. It shows how slapstick can work in a family-friendly format.

Ace Ventura-Pet Detective

When it premiered in 1994 it starred Jim Carrey as Ace Ventura, with supporting roles by Courteney Cox and Sean Young. The film remains funny thanks to Carrey’s elastic physicality, ridiculous stunts and visual silliness that appeal without needing heavy dialogue. It is currently found on various streaming platforms depending on your region. One memorable gag is Carrey slipping off a skateboard while dressed as a dog and sliding into an awkward conversation. For solid laugh-out-loud moments pick a relaxed time to watch it.

What makes this film work is Carrey’s physical commitment combined with special-effects boosted visual gags that remain playful rather than over-spent. The character’s exaggerated movement and the unusual scenario give physical comedy a modern twist. The supporting cast play straight figures which let the physical leaps shine. It’s a film that shows the evolution of slapstick into effects-friendly territory while retaining its roots.

The Pink Panther

It premiered in 1963 starring Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau, with Herbert Lom and David Niven in supporting roles. The film continues to get laughs through Clouseau’s clumsy physical moves, pratfalls and visual misunderstandings that still feel fresh. It can be streamed or rented in many regions, subject to availability. One iconic bit is Clouseau trying to leave the bathroom without slipping into his own mess. For maximum enjoyment you might watch it with an appreciative group who notice the details.

What helps this film age so well is Sellers’ bodywork and timing-his movements are as key as his words in making the comedy land. The combination of character and physical misadventure gives it more depth than simple falls. The set-pieces support the klutz concept and make it feel like the humour comes from situation and movement. If you appreciate comedies that mix character and slapstick you’ll find this one rewarding. It shows how physical comedy can be built into a more conventional genre while retaining its edge.

Kung Fu Hustle

This 2004 film by Stephen Chow stars Chow himself and Yuen Wah and blends martial-arts action with full-on slapstick comedy. It continues to find laughs thanks to the way it fuses fight scenes with visual gags, pratfalls and exaggerated movement. The film is usually available for streaming in many regions, subject to licensing. A memorable moment is the long fight sequence in Pig Sty Alley where bodies fly, faces make weird reactions, and props are used like weapons of humour. If you’re comfortable with subtitles, you’ll get the full benefit of the setting plus the physical humour.

What gives this film appeal to today’s viewers is how it uses physicality and timing together with genre elements so that the humour feels big and varied. The martial-arts background adds a level of spectacle to the slapstick, but the sight-gags remain simple and effective. The cast’s coordination, props, movement and exaggerated layout give real comedic impact. If you enjoy fast-paced visual comedy packed with motion and stunt-play then this one is for you. It shows that slapstick can mesh with action and international flavour.

The General

It premiered in 1926 and starred Buster Keaton as Johnnie Grey and Marion Mack, featuring Keaton’s signature stone-face in full motion. The film continues to get big laughs thanks to its daring physical stunts, timing and visual storytelling that require no dialogue at all. It is available in restored silent-film collections or streaming from distributors specializing in classics. A memorable sequence is the engine chase where Keaton performs literal train acrobatics in full view. For maximum enjoyment try watching with an appreciative group who like silent era humour.

What gives this film enduring strength is how the physical comedy is engineered around real motion and stunts rather than safe or low risk. Keaton’s body becomes the joke and the stunts themselves are part of the gag. The simplicity of the setting and the clarity of the matter deliver humor that crosses time. If you enjoy comedy where the action is the joke then this one stands out. It shows that slapstick relies on motion, timing and bravery-and still thrills today.

The Pink Panther Strikes Again

Released in 1976, this film continues the legacy of Peter Sellers as the bumbling Inspector Clouseau, now facing new hilarious obstacles. The laughs are generated through endless pratfalls, misunderstandings and even more improbable situations, making it a timeless favorite. You can usually stream it or rent it on various platforms. One memorable moment is Clouseau’s dramatic entrance, where his clumsiness leads to utter chaos in a hotel. To appreciate the humor fully, watch it with friends who enjoy a good laugh at silly antics.

What helps this movie keep the laughs coming is Sellers’ performance, which makes the impossible situations feel almost believable. The physical gags are expertly designed to land despite the absurdity of the scenario. The continuous chaos created by Clouseau’s incompetence is relatable, even when it’s over-the-top. If you like a mix of slapstick and subtle visual humour, this one delivers. It shows that physical comedy doesn’t need to be complicated to get big laughs.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

It premiered in 1975 and stars Graham Chapman, John Cleese, and Michael Palin in a comedic retelling of King Arthur’s quest. The film continues to entertain thanks to its absurd physical gags, visual jokes and constant absurdities. It is available on streaming services or for digital rental depending on your region. A famous sequence involves the killer rabbit, where the exaggerated movements and reactions create pure slapstick gold. For best enjoyment, watch with others to enjoy the ridiculousness together.

What makes this film enduring is its willingness to go as far as possible with physical humour and absurd situations. The iconic gags, like the Black Knight, remain funny across generations due to their timing and silliness. The ensemble cast plays off each other’s reactions to push the comedy to the next level. If you appreciate classic slapstick with a dash of absurdity then this film remains a must-watch. It shows that slapstick can thrive within historical parody while still breaking all the rules.

The Three Stooges

The Three Stooges began in the 1930s and featured Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Curly Howard in a series of short films filled with physical humor. The team became iconic for their slaps, eye-pokes, and exaggerated falls, making them legends in slapstick comedy. You can find many of their films available on various streaming services and DVD collections. A memorable sequence is the iconic pie-in-the-face gags and the repeated whacks with a rubber hammer. To get the most out of these films, make sure you’re ready for non-stop action and hilarious chaos.

The enduring popularity of The Three Stooges lies in their ability to create laughs without the need for dialogue, relying on physical expression and slapstick violence. Their style of humour is direct, chaotic, and unpretentious, which makes it appealing even today. Whether they’re bickering or getting caught in outlandish situations, the trio’s timing and willingness to throw themselves into every stunt make their slapstick unforgettable. If you appreciate the basics of physical comedy, these films are pure, undiluted fun. Their simple, outrageous antics still set the bar for slapstick films today.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.